St. Knut's Day, January 13, Sweden and Finland

Although it seems this day is not celebrated as it once was there seems to be pockets of people who still hold to some of the old traditions. January 13 is the end of the Christmas season in both Sweden and Finland because it is St. Knut’s Day. Even though this is the day for the Patron Saint of Denmark, it does not have the long tradition of being celebrated there.

Today is the day to take down your Christmas tree and for the children to eat the sweets off of it. Trees would be actually thrown out doors and windows on this day so it may be a good idea to keep a watchful eye if you happen to be in one of those two countries.

Just a few years ago people would dress in scary costumes and go door to door scaring people and demanding drinks, though more recently it would be children who would dress up and it became more like Halloween where they would ask for candy.

Now it may still be celebrated with people getting together and enjoying one anothers company and the tree might be taken down now but more likely it will be artificial so just packed away and stored for the next year.

Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Knut%27s_Day

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/St.+Knut's+Day

http://www.nba.fi/fi/kansallismuseo/kokoelmat/kuukauden_esine_2010/nuuttipukki

http://www.mamalisa.com/blog/st-knut%E2%80%99s-day-means-it%E2%80%99s-time-to-have-a-party-and-throw-out-your-christmas-tree/

http://blogs.sweden.se/expat/2012/01/15/st-knuts-day-tjugondag-knut-the-most-confusing-and-least-appreciated-swedish-holiday-ever/

http://nordicstylesweden.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-hilarymas-day.html